Latest News from Albania
Sports Court Awards Albania Win Against Serbia
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama praised the decision of the sports arbitration court on Friday to award the abandoned football match in Belgrade to Albania.
"Suppeeer, this is what means to have European justice, three point for the red-and-black football team," Rama wrote in reference to Albania's national colours.
Rama Brings Art Into Heart of Albania's Govt
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, in homage to his artistic roots, has opened an art gallery on the first floor of the government building in Tirana - though not all artists seem appreciative.
Russian veto on British resolution on Srebrenica
Russian veto on British resolution on Srebrenica
The British draft resolution on Srebrenica has not been adopted by the United Nations Security Council, because Russia vetoed it.
Earlier in the day, Russia suggested that the document should not be put up for a vote at all.
Merkel in … Albania: Come, join the club
German Chancellor Angela Merkel came within a few hundred kilometers of the Greek border on Wednesday, arriving in Tirana, the capital of Albania, to tell her hosts that the EU will not “artificially” block their path towards EU accession.
She’s expected to press home the same message in Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, her next stops in a mini tour of the western Balkans.
Merkel Sidesteps Albania’s EU Integration Timetable
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday in Tirana that the EU has no timetable for Albania to start membership talks, which she said depends on the pace of reforms.
Kosovo-Born Kickboxing Champion Dies Fighting for ISIS
Swiss TV on Monday reported the death of the 29-year-old athlete of Kosovo Albanian origin - who moved to Germany aged six - saying it was announced on Facebook in a post uploaded by his brother.
Gashi died last Saturday under circumstances that remain unclear, the Swiss public broadcaster, said.
Albania Arrests Suspect in Czech Tourists' Murder
After a large-scale manhunt, police on Sunday arrested Sokol Mjacaj, the suspect in the murder of Czech couple who were shot dead in their car while driving in a mountainous area in Albania's rugged north.
Michael Svatos, 27, and his partner Anna Kosinova, 36, were killed on a mountain road on Friday and their car was pushed into a ravine.
Merkel: Western Balkan States Have Good Prospects to Join EU
There are good prospects for Albania, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the European Union, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said.
EU to Fund Albania-Macedonia Electricity Link
The EU has pledged financial support for the construction of a new 400 kV electricity interconnection line between Albania and Macedonia, Albania’s Ministry of Energy announced on Friday.
Berlin: Merkel to visit Serbia on July 8
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania on July 8-9, German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Friday.
Bulgaria Granted Citizenship to 808 Foreign Nationals in 2013 - Eurostat
According to the latest figures of Eurostat, which were released on Wednesday, Bulgaria granted citizenship to 808 foreign nationals in 2013.
Bulgaria granted the third lowest number of citizenships in the EU, the only two member states granting less being Lithuania and Slovakia.
Albania Arrests Terror Suspect Wanted in Italy
Albanian police on Wednesday arrested Baki Coku, saying he was the subject of an international warrant issued by Interpol Roma and was suspected of belonging to an organization "whose goal was to carry terrorist acts.
"His arrest was carried out with the aim of extradition [to Italy] and was part of an international anti-terror operation," the Albanian police added.
IMF Says Greek Crisis Will Not Affect Albania
The head of the IMF in Albania, Nadeem Ilhahi, on Tuesday said that the banking sector in Albania faces few risks as a result of the worsening Greek debt crisis.
Albanian MP's Brother Convicted of Murdering Policeman
Arben Frroku is believed to have fled Albania following the Serious Crimes Court's first instance ruling on April 3rd, which found him not guilty of the murder of a policeman.
Genc Gjokutaj, his lawyer, said that the court had been under political pressure and he would appeal to the Supreme Court.
Albania Arrests Eight Over Policeman's Murder
The eight suspects were arrested on Saturday after more than 400 armed officers and special forces units, backed by army helicopters, besieged Lazarat for several days after a shootout with a suspected drug-trafficking gang.